Everything We Never Knew was not what I expected. It centers around Lexi Cole who has an awakening - suddenly she’s aware of other’s energy, feelings and memories. As she searches to better understand the unseen energy of the world around us, she deals with her own inner demons until she finally finds peace. Fans of alternative medicine will likely enjoy this but I wasn’t expecting that topic to center at the novel so I found it very difficult to get through. Julianne Hough gives an excellent performance in the audiobook which I would recommend if the topic was of interest to the reader.

I really loved the concept of this book, but it didn’t quite deliver the impact I hoped for. The ending felt rushed and unfinished.
challenging emotional hopeful mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

i got the arc of this book as a blind date with a book situation, otherwise i probably wouldn’t have picked it up on my own, but i think it did surprise me a little bit. 

i didn’t really vibe with it at the beginning, something about the writing felt like clunky or not sure where it wanted to focus or go, but i did end up catching its’ flow and enjoying it as it went on. i think there is definitely something of value in this book’s take on processing grief and change; some parts were truly interesting and thought provoking. i really liked the exploration and explanation of the elements - the lessons lexi did with bea were truly one of my favorite parts, they had a such a nice chemistry together. it definitely hits a lot of my side interests in a really fun and fantastical manner, which helped me reengage and reevaluate my original first impression.

so, not a favorite, but still pretty solid.
emotional reflective sad

The concept of this book captivated me from the start. Lexi discovers she possesses the ability to sense others' emotions and occasionally glimpse their personal memories.

The initial chapters were engaging as Lexi navigated unfamiliar individuals and delved into their pasts. However, the bulk of the narrative focused on her internal struggles and processing past traumas, resembling a therapeutic journey. Some parts were perplexing, and I craved more interactions with strangers.

Nevertheless, the book had its merits. The dynamic friend group and Lexi's mentor were highlights for me. It offered plenty of contemplation and managed to hold my interest throughout.
challenging emotional reflective sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Thank you to NetGalley, RBMedia, Julianne Hough, and Ellen Goodlett for an advance audio copy of this novel.
#everythingweneverknew #netgalley
I loved that Jules Hough was the audio narrator for her story. Her voice was so calming and really engaging.

Trigger warnings:
Drug related death
Miscarriages
Sexual assault
Parental abuse
Difficulty conceiving
Death of child

Publishes August 13th

I think this could be considered supernatural fiction? I’m not a believer in supernatural / new age things. As a Christian, the values and beliefs that this book discusses and explores is not something I align with. So maybe I was not the right target for this story however it was not mentioned in the description of the book. I also did not like the witch element part … probably because that’s something I do not believe in, but I just thought it was weird.

There was a lot going on… felt like whip lash Everytime something new was explored and brought into the story.… from the miscarriage, to sexual assault & trauma… it just felt all over the place. I mean truly what is discussed in this book is so sad and heartbreaking. It was hard to listen to…

With that being said, I absolutely respect Julianne Hough for writing the story that she felt so promoted to write. I do believe that we can have different worldviews and still find a way to all get along and I think that is expressed in Lexi and Shayne’s marriage in the book.

I am still glad I gave it a go because you never know what you like unless you try it! It was a story that is all about a woman coming to know herself and understanding her role in life which I think there is something we all can relate too in one way or another.

But, can we talk about the cover?! It’s absolutely stunning. ✨

Lexi is struggling in her life. She senses things that don’t seem quite right, and she begins to feel an internal pull towards others that she cannot pinpoint. She feels like she is supposed to help others. But how? In the process of trying to figure out where her life is headed and how she can help others, she meets a woman who helps her start to discover more about who she is, and how she can process the things that have happened in her life.

This is an interesting book with new age ideas that helps the main character Lexi find her way, and discover more about what the world has to offer her. It was a book I wanted to continue to read and see what happened! Also, Julianne Hough narrates the book beautifully.

Trigger warnings: some content may be difficult to read. Miscarriage, sexual assault, leaving one’s religion.

Thank you NetGalley for this copy to read! I greatly appreciate it.
emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Intrigued by the overall concept. I love how Lexi went off the beaten path, stopped doing everything she was supposed to do following societal narrative, and instead found herself without worrying about what everyone thought. I was never totally pulled in emotion wise. Perhaps greater depth was needed for that. And yet I finished and I do like how the author concluded the story. A bit inspiring to see such love + growth!